"Possibly it may be," said he with a peculiar smile.
She could not make him out at all, and resolved not to speak again, since he seemed determined to quarrel with her. Again he broke the silence by an observation:
"I suppose now you have seen more of Osborne Castle, Miss Emma Watson, you have become better reconciled to it."
"I like it very much," said Emma, finding she was expected to say something, and not quite certain what would be best.
"I remember not long ago that you expressed very different sentiments," continued he, "but circumstances are altered now, no doubt, and it is astonishing how soon the mind becomes accustomed to such a change. We feel inclined to doubt that we ever thought otherwise from what we do now."
"Perhaps that is the reason," said Emma, "why I am unconscious of any change in my thoughts and feelings regarding the Castle and its inmates, except the natural feelings of being more at home here than before."
"That will probably encrease," said he significantly, "you will be much here in future."
"I do not think that," said Emma, "I have no claim on Miss Osborne which can lead me to expect such an honor."
"Those who have rank and wealth in their hands have a heavy responsibility," exclaimed he in a sort of reverie.
She made no reply, but continued her embroidery with exemplary perseverance, secretly entertaining a hope that some one would soon come in, to relieve her from the embarrassment of a very uncomfortable tête-à-tête. Presently looking up, when about to change the silk in her needle, she met his eyes fixed on her with a look which seemed at once to contradict the coldness of his tones and the gravity of his expressions. It called a deep blush into her cheeks, to see the earnest yet sad interest with which he regarded her; and she eagerly busied herself with her work in order to conceal her own emotion. She wished to speak, but could think of nothing to say sufficiently unconnected with her present feelings to make it safe to discuss. He was the first to break the silence.